SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs : an Industry - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs : an Industry Perspective

Wireless Innovation Forum

Madrid, 23 May 2018

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Challenge

How to include SDR capabilities for tactical communications in an operational fielded platform, considering legacy equipment and modernization through new waveform developments ?

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective

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Software Defined Radio Technology…

Waveform

Standard Interfaces (software + OS)

• Improves the tactical communications

interoperability: different radios,

same waveform

• To re-use the same communications

software for different types of radio:

portability

• Simplifies the life cycle of the radio

equipment: maintenance and upgrade.

• To agilize the development of new

types of communication,

separating radio equipment (HW) from waveform (SW)

SDR Radio

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective

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Opportunities created by SDR

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective

Interoperability between Systems Logistics and Maintenance Innovation in Communications Sovereignty in Tactical Communications

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Opportunities created by SDR

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective

Sovereignty in Tactical Communications

Control over some key elements of the radio: crypto module and waveform National Waveforms “Nationalization” of Radios National Security Certification

Interoperability between Systems

Coalition Waveforms International Cooperation Common / Joint Repositories WBWF and NBWF

Logistics and Maintenance

“Black Box” vs “White Box” models Independent Evolutions HW vs. SW Compatibility with legacy radios New maintenance models

Innovation in Communications

R&D Risks Reduction Emerging Technologies New Waveforms New Roles: WF Configurator

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Opportunities created by SDR in Spain

Sovereignty in Tactical Communications

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective

Interoperability between Systems

SDR allows improving sovereignty in communication by using third party radios and controlling three key elements:

• The Waveform software.
• The Crypto Module.
• The applications of the radio
• perational environment.

Acquiring a SDR capability is not only purchasing SDR equipment, but also it is needed:

• To verify its compliancy with a known SDR standard (such as ESSOR Architecture).
• The availability of a SDR Development Environment.
• A cooperation agreement with the Radio Supplier.

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Conclusions

• SDR is a technical solution to improve National sovereignty in tactical

communications and enable interoperability in coalition missions.

• In operational platforms today, current communication needs require a

system-of-systems approach.

• VCR 8x8 project is the main initiative to improve Spanish Army’s

capabilities for 2035 and also an example of this demanding scenario: the vehicle includes 7 types of radio tactical comms systems to provide data and voice services to the crew in a seamless way.

• Therefore, incorporating SDR to these systems is not just “adding boxes”

to the picture: it is necessary to consider life cycle requirements from a system viewpoint, including compatibility solutions with legacy comms and future developments.

• SDR solutions have been incorporated to the VCR 8x8 design, thus

becoming the first Spanish operational platform with state-of-the-art SDR-based radios.

Wireless Innovation Forum / SDR as an Enabling Technology in Defence Programs: an Industry Perspective